News

The Chicago chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) has named Chicago Blackhawks president John McDonough "Chicago Executive of the Year."

The annual award recognizes a local individual outside of the public relations profession who uses PR effectively to further his/her organization's goals.

"From holding fan events for Blackhawks legends to putting home games on TV, McDonough tapped PR and marketing tactics to re-energize a franchise and generate new fan support throughout Chicagoland," the PRSA said in a statement.

"I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire Chicago Blackhawks organization," said McDonough. "We made tremendous strides this past season and look forward to even more success as we embark on a new era of Blackhawks hockey."

The PRSA will present McDonough with his award at its Skyline dinner and awards ceremony on Monday, May 21 along with fellow 2008 winners Cathy Calhoun (co-president, Global Consumer Marketing; regional president, Weber Shandwick) and Jack Wleizen (account executive, Public Communications Inc.). Calhoun will be recognized as the Chicago Public Relations Professional of the Year while Wleizen will accept the PRSA Chicago Young Professional award.

"Cathy, John and Jack join some of the most respected professionals in Chicago as honorees of these awards," says Michael McGrath president, PRSA Chicago, and senior vice president, FD-Ashton Partners. "Over the years, the chapter has had the privilege of recognizing individuals who truly are the best and brightest in our profession. Their achievements aren't just a testament to their own talent, but also to the advancement of the industry overall."

About the Chicago Skyline Awards
The PRSA Chicago Skyline Awards recognize programs and tactics that have successfully addressed communications opportunities and challenges with superior skill, creativity and resourcefulness. The dinner celebration and awards ceremony will be held at Galleria Marchetti in Chicago on May 21, 2008 at 5:30 pm. Tickets are available now for purchase by contacting the chapter's offices at (847) 526-2010. The event is being sponsored by Arment Dietrich PR, CME Group and FD-Ashton Partners. For more information, visit www.prsachicago.com.

With more than 28,000 members, PRSA is the nation's largest association of public relations professionals. The PRSA Chicago chapter, with more than 500 members, is one of the largest, and represents business and industry, counseling firms, independent practitioners, military, government, associations, hospitals, schools, professional services firms, and nonprofit organizations.